Something I have noticed

I'm a newb. So sue me for not knowing what you know. LOL. You don't have to be "gentle"; I just figured I'd let you know about your insinuation that I believe everything I read. But I do believe the "Want Ads". There's a plethora of CDL big rig jobs being offered. That's a good thing for someone like me, fresh out of school, who needs work. I'm looking at the bright side of life...

 

How many of those advertisements are for fleets that do the "fleece purchase" program. Those fleets aren't looking for drivers they're looking for suckers that will take over the expense of running a truck.

Again, if there was such a shortage of drivers why hasn't pay skyrocketed? We all know what happens when there appears to be a shortage of oil.

 

I found this as well...

http://www.usatoday.com/USCP/PNI/Valley & State/2012-02-21-PNI0221met-fact-checkPNIBrd_ST_U.htm

I'm sure it wouldn't be difficult to find "hundreds of thousands" elsewhere either. So if this is a lie, well then it's pretty widespread. I'm not saying it's truth, but there DOES appear to be a shortage...

 

Truckit. To answer your origional question. I think it's a combination of all the reasons you mentioned. It's well known that many drivers quit because they are not cut out for the lifestyle change. Some don't make it thru because they can't pass all the testing. Some get out in the truck and don't have internet access or are very busy and not as "excited" as they were when they first qot accepted and waiting to start.

Sometimes after driving all day, the last thing you wanna do is stare at a computer screen reading.

 

And again, if there is a shortage why has the VALUE/COST/REMUNERATION of a driver not gone up? Simple supply and demand economics proves there is no shortage.

This guys been around the industry for 30 years>He disputes your findings.
http://www.truckinginfo.com/on-the-road/news-detail.asp?news_id=75820&news_category_id=127

 

I don't know. Like I said, I'm a newb. While the numbers are in dispute, you won't convince me that there isn't a shortage of drivers. Sorry.

I agree that leasing a truck is a racket. I've read enough about that to know. The CRE thread here addresses that quite well...

 

Ralph, if you understand anything, understand this. These are NOT my findings.

Thanks for the link.

 

Vito, companies like CRE, Swift, Werner, Knight hire constantly because they have a nearly 99% turnover rate. This is for several reasons, such as poor pay, recruiters that lie (like a used car salesman), too much change in lifestyle, retirement, legal and substance abuse issues ETC.
In point of fact, there is no driver shortage.
There is an experienced driver shortage.

 

Glad I'm not going with any of the above...

Experienced driver shortage sounds good to me. I plan on getting lots of experience and sticking with it.

 

There's a guy that gets it!

There's NO shortage of truck drivers but there sure as hell is a shortage of good paying jobs for truck drivers to go to!